Damen completes island ferry trials
Damen Shipyards Group has successfully completed sea trials of the latest Island Class ferry being built for BC Ferries, marking another milestone in the Canadian operator’s fleet renewal programme.
The seventh vessel in the ten ship Island Class series undertook sea trials in the Black Sea during the last weeks of 2025, confirming performance and design requirements ahead of delivery.
Damen is currently constructing four Island Class vessels for BC Ferries, which will serve coastal routes across British Columbia. “We are a family company, with deeply held family values,” said Damen project manager, Richard Tijpens.
“Ferries play a crucial role in enabling family life, helping people get to work and school, enjoy time together and return home at the end of the day.”
A key focus during the sea trials was the measurement of underwater radiated noise, an issue of growing importance for BC Ferries as it seeks to protect the sensitive marine environment of the British Columbian coast, particularly the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale. Damen and BC Ferries have refined the vessel design using computational fluid dynamics, tank testing and propulsion adjustments to reduce noise and drag.
“Damen Shipyards has been instrumental in BC Ferries’ fleet renewal efforts,” said David Tolman, program manager, Fleet Renewal at BC Ferries.
“Together, we have brought six Island Class vessels into service since 2017 and advanced more energy efficient, sustainable hybrid and electric operations.”
Looking ahead, Damen is preparing the Island Class vessels for full electric operation once shore charging infrastructure is in place. Following delivery, ongoing support will be provided through Damen’s Canadian Service Hub in Victoria, reinforcing the long-term partnership between the two companies.
